Best Counties and School Districts in Georgia (2025)

Amazing Columbus, GA

July 24, 2025

If you’re searching for the best county in Georgia for schools, you’re likely thinking about more than just test scores. Most likely, you want a place where your family can thrive.

Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a fresh start, or simply want the best for your kids, Georgia is full of great places to live for families. From bustling urban centers to peaceful rural towns, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your family’s lifestyle and educational priorities.

While sites like Niche and GreatSchools offer helpful rankings, this guide goes a step further. We combine data with real-world insights to help you discover not only the best school districts in Georgia but also the communities and programs that align with your family’s needs, whether your child is a budding scientist, artist, or athlete.

How We Evaluated Georgia’s Top Counties and School Districts

Choosing where to live in Georgia means finding a community that feels like home—and a school system that helps your kids thrive. That’s why we ranked the best counties in Georgia for schools and highlighted top school districts for specialized programs like STEM, arts, athletic programs and special education.

Why rank counties and school districts?

Most families relocate based on county lines, considering factors like housing costs, taxes, and community feel. However, school quality often depends on districts, which don’t always align perfectly with counties. For instance, Fulton County includes both Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools.

That’s why in this guide, we evaluated counties and districts based on:

Academic performance (test scores, college readiness)
Graduation rates
Special programs (STEM, arts, athletic, special education)
Affordability (median home prices)
Community factors (safety, parks, amenities)

We sourced data from Niche, GreatSchools, the Georgia Department of Education, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Beyond the numbers, we looked for communities where families feel supported and students can pursue their passions.

Best Counties for Schools in Georgia: 2025 Rankings & Top Districts

We sorted based on counties rather than districts because most Georgia counties operate under a single school district. However, some exceptions exist, such as independent city school districts.

County	Top School Districts	GraduationRate	Standout Programs	Median Home Price	Population
Buford	Buford City Schools	97%	College Readiness, Arts	$346,400	17,000
Oconee	Oconee County Schools	95%	College Readiness, Arts	$425,100	42,000
Muscogee	Muscogee County School District	94%	Arts, Military Support, Special Education	$182,000	206,000
Forsyth	Forsyth County Schools	92%	STEM, Arts	$493,800	267,000
Cobb	Cobb County Schools	86%	STEM, Sports	$373,700	766,000
Gwinnett	Gwinnett County Public Schools	83%	STEM, College Readiness	$345,700	964,000

*Public School data sourced from Niche and GreatSchools

How to Choose the Right School District for Your Family

Moving isn’t just about picking a house; it’s about finding the right community and schools for your family’s needs. Even within the best counties in Georgia for schools, districts, and individual schools can vary in focus, programs, and performance.

To make the right choice, consider what matters most to your family: STEM programs, arts education, special services, or a strong sports culture. The right district is the one that matches your child’s interests and your family’s values.

If you’re planning a move, you may want to explore options for finding family-friendly neighborhoods in Georgia or discover what it’s like living near a military base like Fort Benning to help guide your decision.

Top School Districts in Georgia for STEM

For families seeking exceptional opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), Georgia’s public school system offers a wealth of options. Many districts across the state have invested in innovative STEM curricula, hands-on learning experiences, and advanced coursework designed to spark curiosity and prepare students for high-demand careers.

From specialized magnet schools to award-winning robotics programs, Georgia’s best school districts for STEM empower students to excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Whether your child dreams of coding, engineering, or scientific discovery, these districts provide the rigorous academics and supportive environments needed to thrive.

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Home to the renowned Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology. GSMST is considered the #1 public high school according to Niche’s rankings and boasts a 95% proficiency rate for student math capabilities. Other great schools for STEM include North Gwinnett High School and Notre Dame Academy.

Forsyth County Schools

Lambert High School is celebrated for its engineering and robotics programs. Lambert is also ranked the #10^th STEM high school in GA and hosts annual STEM expos while participating in FIRST Robotics competitions and Science Olympiad. Other good schools include South Forsyth (ranked 19^th for STEM in GA) and Alliance Academy for Innovation.

Fulton County Schools

The district is known for its investment in STEM labs, coding initiatives, and mentorship programs with Georgia Tech.

Fulton County’s top STEM programs are primarily private schools including Fulton Science Academy, The Westminster Schools, and The Lovett School.

Northview High School and Alpharetta High School are leaders in STEM education for public schools in the area. Northview High School offers AP Computer Science, Engineering, and Biotechnology.

Muscogee County School District

MCSD’s STEM offerings are integrated with its Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. Pathways such as Engineering Drafting & Design introduce students to 3D modeling, design processes, and technical documentation. These courses help students build skills in computer-aided design, visualization, and problem-solving, with career outlooks that include roles like mechanical drafter, civil engineer, and computer hardware engineer.

Columbus High School is the best STEM school in this district. CHS offers gifted programs and a magnet school option for more rigorous coursework. CHS’s magnet school is ranked #1 in the state of GA. The school has also earned national recognition through its Columbus Space Program, the school’s robotics team, which has qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championship eight times since 2012, most recently in 2024.

MCSD now has 71 robotics teams operating across its schools. This expansion represents the district’s dedication to STEM education and innovation-driven learning experiences for all students.

Top School Districts in Georgia for Arts

For families who value creativity and artistic growth, Georgia’s best school districts for the arts offer exceptional opportunities in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and more. Across the state, both public and private schools nurture students’ talents through comprehensive arts curricula, dedicated faculty, and vibrant partnerships with local arts organizations.

Many districts feature magnet programs, audition-based schools, and specialized tracks that empower students to explore and excel in their chosen disciplines. Whether your child dreams of performing on stage, composing music, or creating visual masterpieces, Georgia’s diverse school options ensure they’ll find a supportive environment to develop their passion and skills.

DeKalb County Schools

DeKalb County School District stands as one of Georgia’s premier destinations for arts education, offering a rich spectrum of opportunities in visual arts, music, dance, theater, creative writing, and multimedia.

DeKalb School of the Arts is ranked #1 for arts education in Georgia. DSA provides a comprehensive education that allows students to explore various arts like drama, dance, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, video technology, creative writing, multimedia and design & production. View their notable alumni here.

Tapestry Public Charter School is also a good option for DeKalb County. They allow students to choose an emphasis on the arts in their curriculum and produce large year-long projects at the end of their term.

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

Surrounded by moss-draped oaks and a unique artistic flair, Savannah-Chatham County is home to Savannah Arts Academy. SAA offers a unique blend of academics and arts by incorporating courses in dance, film studies, music, theatre, and visual arts. It is important to note that SAA is less than 10 minutes from the prestigious Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).

The county overall supports artistic students through their student art shows and Emerging Artists Program.

Muscogee County School District

Rainey McCullers School of the Arts is a great option in Muscogee County because it is a visual and performing arts magnet school. They offer intensive arts instruction in Band, Choir, Orchestra, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Classical Piano, Classical Guitar, Creative Writing, Artists in Medicine, and Music Business & Production. Outside of the classroom, there are also other opportunities to engage in the arts.

Muscogee County is home to the Springer Theatre Academy, which partners with local schools to offer exceptional arts education. Springer contributed to local schools through its PAIR Program which helps teachers integrate professional art content into their curriculum. Columbus is also home to the annual Georgia Thespian Conference, the world’s largest gathering of inducted Thespians from theatre programs around the state.

Top School Districts for Special Education

Families seeking strong special education programs will find excellent resources in these Georgia districts:

Atlanta Public Schools

Located in Georgia’s capital, Atlanta Public Schools offers a comprehensive range of specialized services and inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities. The district supports students through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), resource rooms, and a continuum of services for diverse learning needs.

Notable schools include the Atlanta Speech School, which is highly regarded for individualized language and learning support, and The Howard School, known for its small class sizes and personalized instruction for students with learning differences. Atlanta Public Schools partners with community resources and provides parent workshops to ensure families are engaged and supported throughout their child’s educational journey.

Gwinnett County Public Schools

As one of the largest and most respected districts in the Southeast, Gwinnett County Public Schools is recognized for its award-winning special education program. The district offers a full continuum of services, from early childhood special education to transition planning for post-secondary life. Specialized staff, including assistive technology specialists and instructional coaches, work alongside families to create individualized learning plans.

Notable programs include the T. Carl Buice School for preschoolers with special needs and the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett, which serves students with a wide range of learning differences. Gwinnett’s commitment to professional development and parent engagement ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

Muscogee County School District

Muscogee County School District, based in Columbus, Georgia, offers a strong special education program focused on inclusive practices and individualized support. As part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS), the district provides access to specialized behavioral, academic, and therapeutic services for students with more significant needs. MCSD’s Special Education Department serves students from birth through age 21, offering a full range of services including IEPs, transition planning, and support from professionals like speech therapists, psychologists, and behavior specialists.

In its first year, the Brewer Innovation Academy launched a targeted reading initiative for students reading below grade level. More than 90% of participating students are now back on track, marking a major milestone in the district’s efforts to close literacy gaps and support student achievement.

The district prioritizes family engagement through parent mentoring and training sessions, helping caregivers navigate the system and advocate for their children. A data-driven approach to student progress and a commitment to staff training ensure high-quality, adaptive support.

Top School Districts for Sports

Georgia’s best school districts for sports are known for their winning traditions, dedicated coaching staff, and outstanding athletic facilities. For families with student-athletes, these districts offer opportunities to compete at the highest levels, earn athletic scholarships, and build lifelong skills through teamwork and leadership.

Many of these districts boast state championships across multiple sports and strong partnerships with local colleges and community leagues, ensuring students can pursue their athletic dreams while receiving a quality education.

Buford City Schools

Athletically, Buford is a powerhouse. The district has won multiple state championships across football, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, and cheerleading. The football program, in particular, has a storied history with several state titles and regularly placing athletes at Division 1 programs. Buford’s athletic department emphasizes not only competitive excellence but also leadership, integrity, and teamwork, supported by first-class facilities and dedicated coach-teachers.

The district continues to expand its facilities, including a new 10,000-seat stadium that opened in Fall 2025, along with new classrooms and STEM-focused career and technical education labs. For families seeking a community with strong academics, championship-level sports, and a supportive environment, Buford City Schools offers a balanced and high-quality educational experience.

Cobb County Schools

As one of the largest districts in Georgia, Cobb County Schools offers a broad range of competitive sports programs, from football and basketball to swimming, lacrosse, and track & field. The district’s high schools, including Walton, Lassiter, and Harrison, have claimed state titles in multiple sports and are known for their strong athletic traditions.

McEachern High School’s boys’ basketball team has had 3 NBA players drafted in the last 5 years and many more have continued to play in college.

In addition to athletics, the district emphasizes student-athlete service through its Positive Athlete Program.

Muscogee County School District

Muscogee County School District stands out for its camps with the local university, Columbus State, and community engagement. Columbus State University and various community leagues (including soccer and cheerleading) give students access to advanced training, mentoring, and scholarship pathways. Columbus High School, Northside High School, and Shaw High School are recognized for their achievements in baseball, soccer, track & field, and more.

Muscogee’s supportive environment encourages student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom. Families moving to Columbus will find a vibrant sports culture and plenty of opportunities for youth athletics.

Is Moving to Columbus Right for Your Family?

Columbus, located in Muscogee County, stands out for its affordable housing, strong sense of community, and diverse educational offerings. Living in Columbus also means having opportunities to connect with local residents through neighborhood events, schools, and shared community spaces.

The Muscogee County School District is ideal for families seeking a balance of arts, STEM, sports, and special education programs, as well as excellent support for military families stationed at Fort Benning. With its vibrant neighborhoods and welcoming atmosphere, Columbus could be the perfect place for your family to thrive.

FAQs About Georgia’s Best Counties for Schools

Q: What county in Georgia has the best schools?

A: This will depend on your unique needs and situation, but according to 2025 rankings, Buford City Schools in Buford, GA, and Oconee County Schools in Oconee County consistently top the charts for overall academic excellence, graduation rates, and specialized programs.

Q: What’s the difference between counties and school districts in Georgia?

A: Georgia counties are geographic regions, while school districts are administrative bodies that manage public schools. Some counties, like Fulton, have multiple districts (e.g., Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools).

Q: Should I focus on the county or the school district when moving to Georgia?

A: Both matter! Counties influence taxes, housing, and community resources, while school districts determine which public schools your child will attend. Our guide ranks counties and highlights the best school districts within each, so you can weigh both education quality and lifestyle factors.

Q: What’s the #1 school district in Georgia?

A: According to Niche’s 2025 rankings, Buford City Schools is the top-rated district in Georgia, earning an A+ for academic performance, programs, and community support.

Q: What are the best counties near Atlanta for schools?

A: Forsyth, Cobb, and Fulton counties are all highly rated for schools and offer a mix of suburban and urban communities.

Q: What are the most affordable counties in Georgia with good schools?

A: Muscogee County (Columbus) and Monroe County offer strong school options with more affordable housing compared to metro Atlanta, and make for some of the cheapest cities to live in Georgia.

Q: Is Georgia a good state for families?

A: Absolutely! Georgia’s diverse communities, robust public school options, and family-friendly amenities make it a great choice for families of all backgrounds.